Hattiesburg, MS – September 14, 1910. Collector Loeb, the man tasked with enforcing customs laws in the city, has declared war on the wealthy women of Hattiesburg who think they’re above the law. In a scathing statement, Loeb made it clear that he will no longer tolerate the brazen attempts by the city’s elite to defraud Uncle Sam out of his rightful dues.
According to Loeb, the problem lies not with the poor and struggling, who may see smuggling as a means to an end, but with the wealthy who engage in the practice simply because they can. ‘A poor man or a struggling woman who needs the money may attempt to turn a dishonest penny by smuggling,’ Loeb said, ‘but they soon find themselves engaged in some such pleasing occupation as breaking large stones into small ones.’
Loeb’s frustration is palpable as he laments the state of affairs in Hattiesburg. ‘This country has come to a pretty pass,’ he asserted, ‘if the law against smuggling is to apply only to poor folks who have an excuse and becomes a dead letter when applied to the rich who have no excuse and who smuggle only because they are criminals at heart.’
The collector’s words cut to the quick, revealing the shocking truth about Hattiesburg’s high society. ‘Indeed, it is considered quite smart to cheat the customs,’ Loeb said, his voice dripping with disdain. ‘But I say to you, it won’t be smart for much longer.’
As Loeb ramps up his efforts to bring the city’s smugglers to justice, one thing is clear: the game is afoot, and those who thought they were above the law are in for a rude awakening.
With his sights set on the wealthy women of Hattiesburg, Collector Loeb is ready to put an end to their smuggling schemes. The question on everyone’s mind is: will he succeed?
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Key Facts
- State: MS
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
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